Oden, Heat ready for next step in comeback plan

TIM REYNOLDSAP Basketball Writer Published: January 16, 2014 3:26 AM

MIAMI (AP) -- Many details about how Greg Oden has been rehabilitating his body in an effort to resuscitate his career with the Miami Heat remain a mystery, even to his teammates.

All they knew was that progress was steadily being made.

And on Wednesday night, Oden finally got to offer proof.

Exactly 1,502 days -- four-plus years -- removed from his most recent regular-season appearance, Oden made his return with a six-point, eight-minute outing in Miami's 114-97 loss to the Washington Wizards. He was explosive at times, winded at others, jumped on a stationary bike at halftime to avoid stiffening up and clearly isn't ready for a major role in the Heat game plan.